Methods and apparatus for simulating the long-term effects of normal wear and maintenance of surfaces

Abstract

A system for simulating effects of cleaning and maintenance on the appearance of a product such as carpet tile is disclosed. Short- and long-term effects of wear and soiling can be simulated as well, providing a relatively complete and rapid indicator of product appearance changes over time.

We claim: 
     
       1. A method of contacting a product having a surface, comprising the steps of: a. affixing the product to a turntable;   b. rotating the turntable in a first direction at a first speed;   c. automatically forcing, using air pressure, a castor against the surface;   d. automatically contacting the surface with a carpet sweeper;   e. rotating the turntable in a second direction and automatically contacting the surface with the carpet sweeper while the rotation is in the second direction;   f. automatically contacting the surface with fluid from a shampoo head;   g. extracting at least a portion of the fluid from the surface; and   h. drying the surface.   
     
     
       2. A method according to claim 1 further comprising the step of rotating the turntable at a second speed. 
     
     
       3. A method according to claim 2 further comprising the step of soiling the surface. 
     
     
       4. An apparatus for testing the surface of a product, comprising: a. a controller;   b. a turntable controlled by the controller and to which the product can be affixed;   c. a wear-causing device controlled by the controller and adapted to contact the surface; and   d. means, controlled by the controller and having a part adapted to contact the surface while the wear-causing device is not in contact with the surface, for cleaning the product, which cleaning means comprises: i. a shampoo head adapted to contact the surface and supply the surface with cleaning fluid;   ii. an extraction vacuum for extracting at least a portion of the fluid form the surface; and   iii. a carpet sweeper.     
     
     
       5. An apparatus for testing the surface of a product, comprising: a. a controller;   b. a turntable controlled by the controller and to which the product can be affixed;   c. a wear-causing device controlled by the controller and adapted to contact the surface, which wear-causing device comprises a castor adapted to contact the surface under force of air pressure; and   d. means, controlled by the controller, for cleaning the product, which cleaning means comprises: i. a shampoo head adapted to contact the surface and supply the surface with cleaning fluid;   ii. an extraction vacuum for extracting at least a portion of the fluid from the surface; and     iii. a carpet sweeper.   
     
     
       6. An apparatus according to claim 5 further comprising means, controlled by the controller, for soiling the surface. 
     
     
       7. A method of contacting a product having a surface, comprising the steps of: a. contacting the surface with a retractable castor under force of air pressure capable of causing the surface to wear;   b. dampening the surface with a fluid;   c. extracting at least a portion of the fluid from the surface while the retractable castor is not contacting the surface; and   d. automatically moving the surface relative to the castor.